Opinion

LETTERS: Reject marijuana come November

Re: “Pot prohibition should come to an end” [Opinion, April 30]: Sal Rodriguez notes that a 2011 UCLA study found no evidence that marijuana dispensaries were associated with an increase in crime in their surrounding areas. In fact, he says, these areas may be safer because the dispensaries have security cameras and guards. I’m sure the vendors feel more secure in their shops, but one wonders about problems that may occur beyond the reach of cameras and guards as patients take their medicine and leave.

His closing paragraph warns governments that fail to consider alternatives to prohibition risk being unprepared to deal with legalization when it comes. Or, perhaps Californians will mitigate those risks by rejecting the widespread approval of this debilitating drug.

Ken Cable

Canyon Lake

No on Measure A

As a proud Riverside resident, taxpayer and career law enforcement professional, I’m urging you to vote “No” on Measure A.

I served 33 years with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, retiring as the undersheriff. As a patrol deputy and major-crimes investigator, I spent countless hours investigating criminal cases, which were then submitted to the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. I was passionate about the cases that I handled, and it was comforting to know that our D.A.’s office had the same passion for justice. The D.A.’s office is committed to collaborating with community-based organizations, law enforcement and other government agencies to promote crime prevention, public safety and equity within the justice system.

Our elected D.A. does an excellent job. There is no reason to shift his duties to an appointed attorney who works for other city officials, not the voters. And Riverside taxpayers don’t need a new expensive bureaucracy. The city already faces a budget deficit, with service cuts proposed.

Measure A just does not make sense. It is expensive, unnecessary and would remove power from the people.

Valerie Hill

Riverside

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